Many students don’t realize that Wakefield High School’s student council is responsible for planning exciting events that make Wakefield what it is. For example, homecoming week, the homecoming dance, spirit weeks, powderpuff games, pep rallies and prom are all works of the diligent Wakefield student council.

Since their plans affect the student body, students are the dominant leaders in creating and executing the events. Halle Murphy, a senior, is president of the student council and is already looking ahead to winter spirit week, prom and possibly another school dance. 

“Winter spirit week is something we love doing as a council because it helps our student body stay motivated in some way before the break,” Murphy said. “In the new year, we are planning to have a winter ball similar to what we did for homecoming. One of our biggest events of the year next to our pep rallies is prom.”

Planning these events takes plenty of time, coordination and dedication from these hardworking students. Allison Caulway, the senior class president, believes that keeping the student body united and engaged is most important when planning events.

“While planning events, student council focuses on what the students want as well as how we can bring the student body together as a whole,” Caulway said. “Our purpose is to tighten the bonds between students and their peers as well as [making] them enthusiastic about representing Wakefield.”

Since the Wakefield student body is so large, these events may not go as planned. Murphy has borne witness to this and is aware that changes have to be made some years. 

“Mainly we take what has worked in years past and what didn’t work to go off of,” Murphy said. “For example, if a spirit week day did not get participation the year before, we’ll change it in hopes of gaining more involvement. We have a variety of students on our council, so getting input from every member is crucial to try to represent a larger portion of our body.”

Finding inspiration is another obstacle the council faces. To keep students engaged, ideas must be fresh and creative.  The council takes inspiration from other schools and feedback from years prior.

“It is crucial to check with students outside the council to make sure they would want to participate because you don’t want to plan an event no one truly wants,” Caulway said. “The student council is made up of representatives of the student body, so they must be aware of their peers’ ideas.”

However, the student council doesn’t only focus on students. In November, council members sent out handwritten thank-you cards and gift bags to every staff member to show appreciation. Murphy wishes to continue this sentimental tradition.

“Recently, we wrote cards and put together bags for all teachers and counselors to give thanks. I would like to make this a monthly thing to show appreciation,” Murphy said. “[I] hope that councils in the coming years continue to show appreciation not only for our student body but also the teachers that keep it under control.”

Leading and welcoming underclassmen to the student council is what keeps these events going for future students. Kayla Gicovi, freshman class president, believes that the upperclassmen leaders have done a great job at being attentive and helpful toward the underclassmen.

 “They’ve been great and very welcoming in answering questions and giving guidance,” said Gicovi. 

To find more information about student council’s plans for the year students can check out the school website, the student council’s Instagram page or listen to the daily announcements. 

“I am looking forward to spreading school spirit as well as planning events that others are joyed by,” Caulway said. “Seeing the positive reactions of others to an event you planned is truly an unmatched feeling of accomplishment.”